Scope of practice boundary violation in occupational therapy: An online survey of practitioners' perceptions in India

Introduction In response to growing demands on health and social care services there is an emphasis on communities addressing the needs of local populations to improve lives and reduce inequalities. Occupational therapists are responding to these demands by expanding their scope of practice into innovative settings, such as working with refugees, the homeless and residents of nursing homes, and within sport and leisure environments. The benefits of sport are widely acknowledged, and this paper argues that occupational therapists could play a pivotal role in enabling people to participate. Method This qualitative study drew on a phenomenological approach and used interviews and thematic analysis to explore five occupational therapists’ experiences of enabling people to participate in sport. Findings Findings revealed that participants demonstrated the uniqueness of occupational therapy when enabling people to participate in sport and practised according to their professional philosophy. There were opportunities to reach wider communities and promote the value of occupational therapy by collaborating with organisations, but there were also challenges when working outside of traditional settings. Conclusion The study emphasises the unique skills occupational therapists can bring to this setting. It highlights opportunities to expand their practice, to forge new partnerships in sports and leisure environments, and to address the national inactivity crisis.

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Workplace mental health: Current practice and support needs of Ontario occupational therapists

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy ◽

10.1177/0008417418822491 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 85 (5) ◽

pp. 408-417

Author(s):

Sandra E. Moll ◽

Caitlin M. Heino ◽

Alison H. LeBlanc ◽

Lydia B. Beck ◽

Laura M. Kalef

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Occupational Therapy ◽

Online Survey ◽

Occupational Therapists ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Support Needs ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Related Services ◽

Work Related ◽

Workplace Mental Health

Background. Workplace mental health (WMH) is an important and expanding practice area for occupational therapists. Purpose. This cross-sectional study explores the current practices and support needs of Ontario-based occupational therapists in WMH. Method. Registrants from the provincial association who provide mental health and/or work-related services were invited to participate. Ninety-three therapists completed an online survey; 10 participated in follow-up focus groups. Analysis involved descriptive statistics of the survey data and content analysis of the focus group data. Findings. Return to work, reactivation, and functional cognitive assessment were the most commonly reported services. Key challenges were limited funding and training and lack of awareness of the occupational therapy role. Therapists emphasized the importance of raising the competence, credibility, and profile of occupational therapy in WMH. Implications. Defining the role of occupational therapy, developing training and resources, and advocacy are needed to advance occupational therapy practice within this rapidly changing field.

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Assessing fitness to drive after stroke

Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy ◽

10.1108/ijot-03-2018-0006 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 46 (2) ◽

pp. 106-129

Author(s):

Aisling Helen Stack ◽

Orla Duggan ◽

Tadhg Stapleton

Keyword(s):

Occupational Therapy ◽

Clinical Guidelines ◽

Best Practice ◽

Online Survey ◽

Occupational Therapists ◽

Fitness To Drive ◽

Therapy Evaluation ◽

Content Type ◽

Evaluation Practices ◽

Education Training

Purpose The assessment of fitness to drive after stroke is an emerging area of occupational therapy practice in Ireland. Despite this, little is known about occupational therapists’ evaluation practices, and there are no internationally agreed clinical guidelines to inform best practice. The purpose of this paper is to investigate occupational therapy evaluation practices for fitness to drive after stroke in Ireland. Design/methodology/approach This is a cross-sectional study design targeting occupational therapists working with people after stroke using an online survey. Summary and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the returned surveys. Findings In total, 47 occupational therapists participated. Off-road driving assessment was completed by 68 per cent of respondents. Functional assessment and non-driving-specific assessments were most widely used and perceived to be the most useful in informing the off-road assessment. A total of 89 per cent referred clients for on-road assessments; however, some referred without first completing an off-road assessment. The therapists who completed formal post graduate education/training in driving assessment reported greater confidence and competence in their skills and ability to assess fitness to drive. A vast majority of participants agreed that clinical guidelines regarding best practice in this area would be beneficial. Research limitations/implications A majority of occupational therapists are assessing fitness to drive after stroke in Ireland with non-driving-specific assessments and functional observations; however, there are many gaps and wide variations between services. Education/training in evaluating fitness to drive after stroke is recommended. The development of clinical guidelines to inform practice would facilitate a consistent approach nationally. Originality/value This is the first study completed in Ireland to investigate occupational therapy evaluation practices for fitness to drive after stroke.

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Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Perspectives of Mental Health Practices With Clients in Stroke Rehabilitation

OTJR Occupation Participation and Health ◽

10.1177/1539449218759627 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 38 (3) ◽

pp. 181-189 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Emily K. Simpson ◽

Narissa M. Ramirez ◽

Brittany Branstetter ◽

Aileen Reed ◽

Evan Lines

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Occupational Therapy ◽

Online Survey ◽

Emotional Health ◽

The United States ◽

Health Needs ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Needs ◽

Post Stroke ◽

Mental Health Practices

Following a stroke, depression and anxiety may negatively affect recovery and decrease quality of life. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are distinctly qualified to address both the physical and psychosocial sequelae of a stroke, including clients’ mental and emotional health. This study explored the ways in which OT practitioners address the mental health needs of clients post stroke. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was used to collect both survey and focus group data. In all, 754 OT practitioners across the United States completed an online survey, and 10 practitioners participated in focus groups. Practitioners considered their clients’ mental health needs to be a priority (68.17%); however, only 56.64% were satisfied with the care they provided related to mental and emotional health. They identified barriers that included limited time, increased productivity standards, expectations related to physical recovery, and poor educational preparation. Practitioners are motivated to improve their provision of mental health services to clients post stroke. To address the conflict between practice realities and professional values, education programs should better integrate curricular components that focus on physical and mental health.

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Play and play occupation: a survey of paediatric occupational therapy practice in Ireland

Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy ◽

10.1108/ijot-08-2017-0022 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 46 (1) ◽

pp. 59-72 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Alice Moore ◽

Helen Lynch

Keyword(s):

Occupational Therapy ◽

Online Survey ◽

Qualitative Content Analysis ◽

Occupational Therapists ◽

Assessment Practices ◽

Skills Acquisition ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Content Type ◽

Childhood Play ◽

Primary Focus

Purpose Play occupation has been identified as an essential part of children’s lives, and it subsequently features in paediatric occupational therapy. However, few studies address the current place of play and play occupation in occupational therapy practice. This study aims to address this gap in knowledge by exploring paediatric occupational therapists’ perspectives on the place of play and play occupation in occupational therapy practice in Ireland. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional online survey was conducted to gather data about the current use of play in the occupational therapy for children under 12 years. Convenience sampling and snowball recruitment techniques were used to recruit paediatric occupational therapists. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. Findings In total, 65 therapists responded to the survey (estimated response rate, 32%). Results are organised into four sections: demographics and practice context, play assessment practices, use of play in practice and perceived barriers to play-centred practice. Respondents reported that they valued play as a childhood occupation. However, the survey findings identified that the primary focus was on play as a means to an end. Lack of education on play (research, theory and interventions) and pressures in the workplace have been identified as barriers to play-centred practice. Research limitations/implications Findings indicate that there is a mismatch between therapists valuing play as an occupation and how play is used in occupational therapy practice. Unless clarifications are made about play occupation as being different to skills acquisition in childhood, play occupation will continue to get overlooked as an authentic concern of occupation-centred practice. Thus, play as occupation deserves further attention from educators, researchers and practitioners as a means of strengthening occupation-centred practice, in particular play-centred practice in the paediatric context. Originality/value Play has been described as an important occupation in childhood, and consequently, it features in paediatric occupational therapy. However, little is known about the current place of play in occupational therapy practice. This study addresses this gap by considering the current place of play in occupational therapy practice in Ireland.

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A Survey of Occupational Therapists on a New Tool for Sensory Processing

Occupational Therapy International ◽

10.1155/2020/5909347 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Caroline J. Mills ◽

Elisabeth Michail ◽

Rosalind A. Bye

Keyword(s):

Content Analysis ◽

Occupational Therapy ◽

Sensory Processing ◽

Online Survey ◽

Qualitative Content Analysis ◽

Occupational Therapists ◽

Descriptive Statistics ◽

Planning Tool ◽

Processing Differences ◽

Further Development

Occupational therapy is the leading profession with regard to supporting children who experience difficulties with occupations as a result of sensory processing differences. However, there are mixed reports with regard to the efficacy of various sensory interventions and approaches, leaving little clear guidance for occupational therapists supporting children with these difficulties. The Sensory Form is a planning tool developed in 2017 to guide occupational therapists in their professional reasoning for assessment and intervention of sensory processing differences. To date, no research has been conducted on its use. Researchers introduced the tool to 20 occupational therapists with relevant experience and conducted an online survey of their perceptions about The Sensory Form. Findings were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. Therapists reported that they found the tool acceptable for use, described key strengths and weaknesses of The Sensory Form, and outlined changes to improve the tool. The Sensory Form may have an application in guiding the practice of therapists supporting children with sensory processing differences. Further development of associated resources may be warranted.

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Outcomes of an Online Post Professional Doctorate Degree in Occupational Therapy

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice ◽

10.46743/1540-580x/2012.1400 ◽

2012 ◽

Author(s):

Joyce Salls ◽

Ingrid Provident ◽

Cathy Dolhi

Keyword(s):

Occupational Therapy ◽

Online Survey ◽

Clinical Decision Making ◽

Evidence Based Practice ◽

Clinical Decision ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Doctorate Degree ◽

One Year ◽

Evidence Based Programs ◽

Practice Skills

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine outcomes of a post professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program on graduates’ engagement in evidence-based practice, leadership, and scholarly activities one year post graduation. Method: Thirty graduates of a post professional OTD program completed an online survey addressing evidence-based practice skills, implementation of occupation and evidence-based programs, and participation in leadership and scholarly endeavors. Results: The majority of graduates reported confidence in their evidence-based practice skills and using evidence in clinical decision making. Over half of the respondents reported designing or revising occupation based programs, and all indicated that their OTD education improved their practice skills. Fifty-three percent reported assuming new leadership positions, with one third reporting engagement in scholarly activities since graduation.Conclusion: This research suggests post professional OTD programs have potential to develop practitioners grounded in occupation centered and evidence-based practice who can serve as professional leaders and mentors. Additionally, the results have implications for other allied health disciplines with post professional doctoral programs.

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Canadian Occupational Therapists’ Use of Technology With Older Adults: A Nationwide Survey

OTJR Occupation Participation and Health ◽

10.1177/1539449220961340 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 153944922096134

Author(s):

Aline Aboujaoudé ◽

Nathalie Bier ◽

Maxime Lussier ◽

Christine Ménard ◽

Mélanie Couture ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Occupational Therapy ◽

Online Survey ◽

Occupational Therapists ◽

Nationwide Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Use Of Technology ◽

Information And Communication ◽

Barriers To Use

As rehabilitation specialists, occupational therapy practitioners play a gateway role regarding recommendation of various technologies for homecare. However, no study has investigated current occupational therapy practices concerning information and communication technology (ICT) for older adults in Canada. The objective of this study was to identify Canadian occupational therapists’ (OTs) knowledge and practices of ICT with older adults as well as factors associated with its recommendation. A Canada-wide, cross-sectional, online survey was conducted. Of 387 OTs, only 12.4% reported recommending ICT in practice. ICTs supporting communication and cognition were the main types recommended. The reported barriers to use in practice differed between ICT familiar users and nonusers. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that clinicians with more years of clinical experience were more likely to recommend ICT. Clinicians’ services, work environments, and client diagnosis were also factors associated with ICT recommendation. Additional research is needed to understand how to overcome barriers to ICT recommendation in OT practice.

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Was a global pandemic needed to adopt the use of telehealth in occupational therapy?

Work ◽

10.3233/wor-205268 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Viktoria Hoel ◽

Claudia von Zweck ◽

Ritchard Ledgerd ◽

Keyword(s):

Occupational Therapy ◽

Online Survey ◽

Occupational Therapists ◽

World Federation ◽

Free Text ◽

Global Pandemic ◽

Traditional Service ◽

Facilitators And Barriers ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND: An analysis of data from an international survey was undertaken to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on telehealth practice in occupational therapy worldwide, in addition to facilitators and barriers in utilising this form of service delivery. METHOD: The global online survey was circulated in the occupational therapy community by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) between April and July 2020, collecting responses to closed-ended questions, in addition to free-text comments. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to assess relationships between respondent characteristics and the utilisation of telehealth. Thematic statement analysis provided further insight regarding factors impacting telehealth use. RESULTS: Findings revealed a significant increase in the use of telehealth strategies with the onset of the pandemic among survey respondents, with many reported benefits. Bivariate analyses indicated telehealth users were more likely to score higher feelings of safety and positive work morale, as well as perceive employer expectations to be reasonable. Restricted access to technology, limitations of remote practice, funding issues and slow pace of change were identified as barriers for some respondents for use of telehealth. Facilitators included availability of supportive policy, guidelines and strategies, in addition to education and training. CONCLUSION: This study advances the understanding of the current scope of occupational therapy telehealth practice in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Although results suggest long-term potential for telehealth use as an adjunct to traditional service provision, important considerations were identified regarding factors influencing integration of such strategies.

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Survey of Occupational Therapy Driver Assessors’ Rehabilitation Interventions With Older Drivers

OTJR Occupation Participation and Health ◽

10.1177/15394492211050634 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 153944922110506

Author(s):

Carolyn Anne Unsworth ◽

Anne Baker ◽

Dana Morton-Kehle ◽

Susan Darzins

Keyword(s):

Occupational Therapy ◽

Online Survey ◽

Rank Order ◽

Descriptive Statistics ◽

Older Drivers ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Effective Interventions ◽

Age Related ◽

Local Areas ◽

Training Practice

The rehabilitation strategies used by occupational therapy driver assessors with older drivers with age-related decline or health conditions are not well understood. The objective of the study was to describe driver rehabilitation interventions used by Australian driver assessors, identify factors that guide rehabilitation choices, and identify barriers and facilitators encountered. An online survey was emailed to 300 driver assessors. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize and to rank order participant responses. A total of 148 respondents selected from a combined total of 655 interventions. The four most common rehabilitation methods were (a) graded driving (18%, n = 118), (b) practicing specific maneuvers (17.7%, n = 116), (c) using a modified vehicle (16.9%, n = 111), and (d) graded driving in local areas only (15.1%, n = 99). The most common barrier limiting driver rehabilitation was cost ( M = 2.92, SD = 1.24). The most frequently used driver rehabilitation method was on-road training. Practice can be enhanced by collating and evaluating resources, and ensuring effective interventions are more accessible.

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